Did anyone here move from M43 to EOS-M?

I’ve long been stuck between M43 and EOS-M as my first camera system, specifically between the Lumix GX85 w/ 20mm f/1.7 and the EOS M100 w/ 22mm f/2 as a compact setup.

I’m really drawn to the M100 as while I realise it lacks a viewfinder or any IBIS like the GX85, the quality that the sensor can produce is just incredible for the small size, especially when combined with the 22mm. The small number of EF-M lenses doesn’t actually affect me in any way as I wouldn’t consider a lens that wouldn’t keep it compact anyway.

In my research I’ve seen quite a few people moving from APS-C cameras to M43 but I’m curious, has anyone here gone the other way from M43 to EOS-M, and how do you find your experience in comparison?

For Canon M, I have an M5 and M6II.   For M43 I have a variety of Olympus M43 cameras from EPL5 to EM10IV EM1.2 and OM1.

So just from general experience.    The M system is really compact.   The lens selection is kind of limited but good enough for me most of the time.

The lens selection for Olympus M43 is really good, but the really good lenses are kind of big and heavy. I shoot a lot of zoom lenses and for that Olympus has done an outstanding job of having good zoom lens options   However, the small light ones are rather lacking in image quality.    There is kind of lack of lenses in the middle somehow.     Canon did a better job of making a good compromise of between small/light and big/heavy and image quality.

Olympus menus are quirky and the camera controls on the cheaper models are weird because the same software is used across all camera models, but the number of physical dials and buttons is fewer on the cheaper cameras.  So for the cheaper cameras, Olympus comes up with quirky ways to make software designed for a camera with lot of physical knobs work on a cheap camera that has too few knobs.

Canon controls and menus are logical and simple always.  It is almost dull and boring how well laid out the Canon controls are.     I never miss a shot because I had to fiddle around with Canon controls, whereas it is fairly regular I miss a few shots on Olympus while I fiddle around with the controls.

Moved from EOS DSLR, Panasonic M43 and Fuji X to EOS M and R.

I used M43 for 10 years and was very happy with the Panasonic cameras.  I had no intention of switching camera systems.  I was in my local brick and mortar camera store when I spied the M6 II.  I was actually looking for a new camera bag.  The salesman asked me if I would like to try the M6II.  I cannot resist touching and handling different cameras.  I traded a couple of my old M43 cameras and lenses and got the M6 II.  It is a fabulous little camera and I do not mind the viewfinder being not in the camera.  I got it as part of the kit.  I gave my G9 and GX9 to my son and am extremely happy with my choice.  The 32MP sensor is fabulous.  Colors are beautiful.  I have found the small lenses to be a joy to use.  I loved my M43 cameras but the M6II is an upgrade in size and Performance.

Hal

I have both m4/3 and EOS-M. I recently trimmed down my EOS-M collection (sold 2 M5 bodies, plus 50-200 and 28mm macro). I kept an M6 and a M50ii, 11-22mm, 22mm, 18-150mm and 32mm, plus a Sigma 56mm.

We're leaving for a month abroad next Sunday and I've been going back and forth on whether to take EOS-M or m4/3. I've settled on the EOS-M kit. The M50ii + 18-150mm is actually more compact than my Panasonic G90 + 14-140ii setup.

I'm waiting for the new EOS R7 to hit the used market and more comprehensive reviews of the R7+18-150mm.  If they look good, and Canon show signs of releasing more compact RF-S lenses, I'll consider moving to the EOS R system. I've got some long legacy EF lenses for wildlife. One thing that gives me pause is the word that Canon is keeping the R system closed to 3rd party lens support. I really like the Sigma offerings. (16mm/32mm/56mm).

Alan

I was looking into the opposite approach in order to achieve minimum 600mm tele reach in a compact size.

However, it turned out cheaper for me to add a used Sony RX10IV and to keep the EOS M system than to move to 4/3. Also less bulk and weight...

Sort of. I've been a Canon user for 30 years, but did buy in to M43 right at the beginning - OlyE-P1, Panny G1 - to supplement my kit. Never liked the Panny really, and thought the Oly was frankly a bit big for what it was. When the EOS M firesale was on, I bought a couple of bodies, both the lenses, the flash and found it suited me much better - far from perfect, but the ability to fit my EF lenses, plus the more compact size yet bigger sensor made a lot of sense. And modern M cameras suit me very well - excellent AF, decent results, and pretty pocketable.  
So yes, I did, but not recently.

I have always like the Canon UI better than others, I guess that means I am stuck with them.

KEG wrote:

I have always like the Canon UI better than others, I guess that means I am stuck with them.

I agree for Canon menue, but Sony gives more options for fine tuning.

Example Auto ISO and shutter speed etc.

Yes i did.

Around 3 years ago i tried to move from Olympus to Canon. The initial experience was great, with the M50 and 18-150 lens and 11-22mm lens for general purposes and 22mm F2 for low light, there is almost nothing i cannot cover with that setup. Yet, i have given up just 6 months later. Discouraged by Canon business practice and way it views EF-M system, as well as realizing the image quality isnt as good as expected, i sold my used M50 combo to another party. I choose to remain in M43 club for sake of effective IBIS, almost identical image quality at low ISO and the fun photography experience.

As we move on to 2022, image quality of MFT camera no longer pleased me as much as smartphone IQ continued to improve. Facing the pressure of instant social media sharing, the urge to downsize, M43 bodies and its heavy premium lens burdened me and im discouraged to use the system as often unless in serious situations (eg: helping my friends to take photos of their kids, their graduation etc)

This is where another option came in. By sheer luck, I was able to procure Nikon J5 and a bunch of signature lenses native to the system in 2022. The combo is lightweight and features wifi connectivity, 4k recording, slow-mo videos and latest BSI 20mp sensor. Overall, the system has given me the photography experience I have never thought of. While lens options are limited, many lenses of N1 are unique and stunning at their own criteria and they are universally compact and lightweight to carry.

I cannot tell if i will keep my MFT gears in long term, but i have ditched EFM thanks to Canon marketing practices. If i cant see any wow factor from MFT system this year, maybe i would ditch MFT in favor of my 1" Nikon.

The Nikon 1 system is no longer supported and this even officially!?

For this reason I choose more modern Sony's RX10IV and RX100 VII over Nikon 1 to downsize. For now I am still keeping my EOS M system.

Maxmolly7 wrote:

The Nikon 1 system is no longer supported and this even officially!?

Yeah, how about the business practices of Nikon and its 1 Series???

Pot and Kettle, we're in the same boat! 

R2